Comfort Zone

As artists and photographers, we want to be good at what we do. It's often the one place on our lives where we have complete control. 

But that drive for excellence can trap us in a comfort zone that limits our creativity. I guess you could say that this is a paradox. On one hand, we improve by repetition. On the other, we resist altering a successful formula.

I'm thinking of this after our class presentation Tuesday night at the close of the Fall Photography Workshop. I loved the pictures presented by each participant. As a whole, they were technically solid and showed real vision.  Yet I knew (from looking over their shoulders during lab) that there were more daring images that were never shared.

Why? Well, we all know the answer. It's because we want to project photos that we believe represent our best work. Of course. I am both the pot and the kettle on this matter. 

So here's what I propose. We start a shoot with what we know. We work in that comfort zone of perfected technique. But, once those shots have been recorded, we spend another few minutes trying a completely different approach.  

If we did that every time, I believe that we would grow as artists. We could step out of our comfort zones with minimal risk, yet reap the rewards of doing so. 

Something to think about the next time we pick up our cameras. 

-Derrick

A Gathering of Photographers

Tonight was our first gathering for the TDS Fall Photography Workshop. I like to have an informal reception on the eve of this event because it gives us a chance to meet one another and prepare for the days ahead. 

In terms of conversation, photographers are my favorite people to hang out with. And it's not just camera talk. We cover technology in general, favorite stuff from the past, travel, and of course, gear. Even the shyest shooter in everyday life transforms into a social being when among peers. Maybe it's because we just don't get to hang out with other photographers that often.

I've come to the conclusion that this interaction is one of the primary benefits of participating in a workshop. Having the opportunity to compare notes, trade stories, and show off gear (to others who actually appreciate it) is no small thing. 

Tomorrow, we'll be working together to figure out how to improve portraits in the morning, then getting the most out of our safari in the afternoon.  Now that's the kind of teamwork I can get in to.

Bottom line: for the next two days, I'll be surrounded by photographers. And I couldn't be happier about that. 

-Derrick

Airport Bars

I can only sit for so long in plastic waiting area chairs with scratched metal armrests. When I'm ready for a change of scenery, there are two interesting options: Starbucks or the airport bar. Since I've already consumed a couple quarts of French Roast today, it's time for the bar.

This is my sanity "ace in the hole" after a long day of travel annoyances. But a few things need to fall into place to make this a positive experience.

First, I don't sit at the bar. That location is no good for photographers. All of the action is happening to your back. In front of you there's only a TV, shelves of liquor, and an overworked bartender. Plus, I don't care what anyone says, it's not comfortable.

So I work my way to a table where I can watch everything that's going on - a lively stage of human drama featuring players dressed in business suits, cargo shorts, hot pants, heels, plaid shirts, and adorned with overstuffed backpacks.

Second, I order beer, not mixed drinks. Beer lasts longer, costs less, and doesn't cloud your judgement and possibly cause you to miss your flight. Right now I'm nursing a Sam Adams on draft. It's quite refreshing, actually... especially after a day of relentless coffee consumption.

And finally, don't even entertain the thought if making a new friend. If you eliminate that possibility all together, you'll be more productive, waste less money, and avoid mindless conversations. Best of all, spontaneous phone calls from your wife will be far more enjoyable.

-Derrick

Nimble Store Update

I've been so happy with the response to the Nimble Store. Everyone has been quite enthusiastic. (I like enthusiasm...)

All in all, the mechanics of the store have been working pretty darn well. As you may have guessed, I tested every aspect of this operation before going live. The first batch of orders will be shipped today via USPS. I'm still trying to smooth out that process a bit. If you have any questions about your order, you can use the contact form on the site, and I'll respond as quickly as possible.

I also noticed that a bug surfaced last night in how the Store software generates the invoice that is sent to you, the nimble customer. The total is correct, but it's listing multiple items from just a single order. I checked with Squarespace right away when this issue surfaced, and they said they're already working on it. The good news is that we can process the orders normally with the correct amounts. Just look at the bottom line on your invoice. If it's correct, we're gold.

And so far, knock on wood, that' it. So the gist is that the orders start shipping today, and they are correct. We'll continue to smooth out the other few rough spots in the meantime.

Thanks so much for being a charter member of our nimble photography community. This is going to be a blast!

-Derrick

The Bag Room

Anyone who has ever seen my podcasting set up at the studio knows about the Bag Room. It's a crazy man cave sort of place that includes a worktable, recording equipment, printers, storage, and yes, a wall of Lowepro bags. 

As the Photography Evangelist for Lowepro, I test and keep a wide variety of bags on hand. This helps me answer questions from users and allows me to experiment with all sorts of different configurations. 

I have my favorites, of course: the Urban Reporter 150, DSLR Video Fastpack 150 AW, and our own Nimble Photographer shoulder bag. But I use many different carrying solutions depending on the assignment at hand. 

One of the terrific side benefits, in addition to having an outstanding bag collection, is that they help dampen the sound while recording podcasts. It's really quiet in the Bag Room... And you just thought I had a good radio voice.

-Derrick